Amid currency crisis Russia steps up Hollywood support

By Iain Alexander / 17 December 2014

Russia faces a painful currency crisis but when it comes to Hollywood movies, it’s taking extra measures to ensure they continue to screen at home.

Following an outcry over Western sanctions, Russian filmmakers and producers wanted to see curbs and bans on Hollywood films being shown in the country. President Putin then stepped in and gave his backing to Hollywood and wanted to reverse the argument.

Now the Russian Culture Minister has added his support to Hollywood movies and the idea of a total ban is pretty much dead. Hollywood films account for more than 60% of total domestic screenings and remain very popular with Russian audiences.

A ban would have likely damaged the revenues of many theater chains which is something the Russian government is keen to avoid.